TURKISH ELITE IS SERIOUSLY ANXIOUS ABOUT ARMENIAN CAUSE, RUBEN SAFRASTIAN CONSIDERS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 29, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian Cause once more became
a "headache" for the Turkish government, this issue is a key one the
Turkish elite is anxious about. Ruben Safrastian, the Director of the
Institute of Oriental Studies of the RA National Academy of Sciences,
expressed such an opinion at the November 29 round table.

The round table dedicated to reforms in public-political and economic
life of Turkey was organized by the Caucasian Media Institute with
the support of the Heinrich Boll Foundation and the Swiss Agency for
Development and Cooperation.

"The only possibility to expect from Turkey mitigation of its
position towards Armenia is Armenia’s concessions in recognition of
the Genocide," Safrastian mentioned.

Safrastian also said that at present Turkey is experiencing a
large and complicated process of transformation. In particular,
non-governmental organizations, including women’s movement, develop
considerably. Besides, a process of weakening of authoritarian model
of Turkish state is taking place. Thus, according to Safrastian,
a process of limitation of influence of servicemen in the Security
Council of that country has started. He expressed confidence that
Turkey will be able to get over the period connected with strengthening
of transformation processes.